Appalachian State Mountaineers (9-4)

ATLANTA (AP) Georgia Tech hired Nate Woody of Appalachian State at its defensive coordinator on Saturday, hoping he can bolster a unit that struggled last season under Ted Roof despite plenty of experience.

Roof left his alma mater last month in what appeared to be a mutual decision, becoming the co-defensive coordinator and associate head coach at North Carolina State .

Woody is a 27-year coaching veteran who directed Appalachian State's defense the past five seasons. After putting in an attacking 3-4 scheme, the Mountaineers led the Sun Belt Conference in total defense three times and ranked among the top 30 nationally each of the past four seasons.